35 Underrated College Towns in America That Are Full of Small-Town Magic

22. Carlisle, Pennsylvania – History and Community Charm

Carlisle is a historic town with deep Revolutionary War roots and a strong college-town energy. Home to Dickinson College, Carlisle blends academic vibrancy with historical significance. The town’s picturesque downtown is filled with colonial-era buildings, farm-to-table eateries, and vintage shops. Every year, it hosts the famous Carlisle Car Shows, drawing automobile enthusiasts from across the country. The surrounding Cumberland Valley offers scenic hiking trails, historic battlefields, and charming Amish country roads. If you love history, small-town charm, and community pride, Carlisle is a hidden treasure.